I had a lot of seeds of Sarracenia oreophila, the Green Pitcher Plant, that I discussed in a previous post. I had 1389 seeds, but used 289 for my 2017 seed planting. With 1100 remaining, I had some to spare. I felt I could spare 700. Also seeds get old and lose their viability, although I don't know how long these seeds would last. The idea to give some very rare seeds to others could interest people. I also wanted to put into practice what I learned about such legality of this type of stuff. Paranoid on wanting to find the legality of giving seeds away of a federal and state listed plant, I contacted the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This call was one of the most helpful. She answered my question and gave me my answer, in writing! It said I was allowed to bring such seeds into Georgia and give them away to the Georgia Native Plant Society. If I can give seeds to them, I can give seeds to anyone. I always fear that a "give away" can also be seen as a promotion item to encourage purchases, but the website stated: "No money changes hands, this swap is an outreach event by the Wiregrass Farmers Market." That settled that. Already in Georgia, I packed up my seeds and went to the event.
After 2 hours driving, an easy drive as there is not much in this part of Georgia, I arrived. There were few cars in the parking lot. I then looked up on my phone to see if I was at the right place at the right time. The website said the 28th! I was disappointed, I was there on the 27th. Defeated, I cranked up my car to leave. Before leaving the parking lot, I thought let me turn around and talk to the people inside the building. I asked if the seed swap was tomorrow. They said no, it is located at a bigger building in the back of the facility. I was back on for the swap! Seems the website had the wrong date listed, which makes sense. Why would they schedule an event on a Sunday, that is church day? Just as I thought, Saturday was the correct day. I arrived at the correct place and found some tables.
I then looked to set up to give away seeds. I saw another GNPS member take a spot and display their seeds. I reintroduced myself to her. Not sure what to do, I walked around and watched others. I then took a seat and started to give seeds away. I gave at least 20 packs of 15-20 seeds away to people who came to my spot. I think the full number of people was 23. I gave between 200-300 seeds away. I know this from my empty 100 packets. To the fellow GNSP member, I gave 3 packets, 300 seeds.
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| Georgia Museum of Agriculture at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Sixth Annual Seed Swap 2018 |
"Sarracenia oreophila, The Green Pitcher Plant -First off, it is not federal illegal to own federally endangered plants. Many of such plants grow on lands owned by private citizens. The parent plant for these seeds came from USFWS Permit TE022690 holder, authorized to sale cultivated plants. I obtained, grew, and self-pollinated the plant in 2016. I obtained 1389 seeds. I planted 240 seeds in 2016; 207 (86%) germinated.
To grow: a 50/50 mixture of sphagnum moss and sand is suggested. This type of soil is low in nutrients. Do not use potting soil and never fertilize this plant; too many nutrients will kill this plant. Water only with clean rainwater or distilled water, as water from most facets has too many natural and added nutrients that will kill these plants. Keep the soil moist, this plant grows in bogs/swamps; yet do not keep flooded. Give plenty of sunlight, the more the better. Questions Contact: ------------. Let me know if they grow! I forgot to mention, these plants eat bugs."
Did I use the wrong sale or sell?
On the back of the sheet:
"Do not plant these seeds/plants in the wild. These seeds are old and “inbred,” thus lower quality. The plant and seeds are also “domesticated.” For these reasons and it is illegal, these seeds/plants should not be planted in the wild. Federal laws are complex, keep these seeds/plants within the state of Georgia. Different states have different laws on possession of such plants. Much research should be conducted and understood before moving this seeds/plants to another state. To learn more about this and other endangered plants do research! https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/. Support local environmental organizations.
I want to thank: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Native Plant Society, Georgia Botanical Society, New England Carnivorous Plant Society, International Carnivorous Plant Society, US Department of Agriculture, US Fish & Wildlife Service, other state agencies, Maedowview Biological Research Station, and others involved in helping to recover endangered plant species. This was made by ---------------, everything is his opinion and not that of any of the listed agencies."
I also wrote on each slip: "Illegal to sell" as I have seen people on Ebay try to sell 10 seeds of pitcher plants for dollars.
So I was able to put seeds back into the hands of the people to help understand federally endangered plants. The people probably have no idea what they got. It is not easy to get these types or seeds.
I was also given some Ricinus communis, castor bean, and Zamia integrifolia, coontie seeds. I think that is the correct species name for the coontie, I will find out later. Those are two neat plants I didn't have seeds previously. I almost forgot, I was given carrot seeds as well.
Oh, more about the picture I have posted. Those tables with newspaper covering them, that is where people sat to hand out seeds or plants. There must have been about 10-12 people handing out seeds, myself included. Maybe 30-50 people came. It wasn't too large, but it wasn't too little. I was dividing out seeds into packets, handing them out, and talking non-stop. I enjoyed the event.
This post was just a short journal entry for the event. Maybe it was interesting. Post comments if you would like and thank you for reading! Have a nice day!
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